Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150

Updated - Tuesday, 15th July 2008

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150

Latest - Review and Sample Photos by PhotographyReview (added 15 July’08)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 features:

8.1 megapixel
5x optical zoom
2.7 inch LCD
ISO 80 - 3200

Overall Rating: 2 votes, average: 3 out of 5

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Read More Reviews - (updated 15 July’08)

PhotographyReview reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 and they write -
“I have mixed feelings about the Sony Cybershot DSC-W150. While it was far from love at first use, I find I’m a little sad to have to send my review copy back. I really like how easily the W150 fits into my purse and the excellent image quality it produces.”

Rating: Not Rated

DPExpert reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 and they write -
“We are impressed. The black model that we had for testing is handsome. It has a high quality feel and appearance. The inclusion of an optical viewfinder is a plus, even if it is small and restricted in the coverage of image area. It has the usual gimmicks of face detection and the so-called “smile shutter” which serve no real purpose. We have yet to try the connection from camera to high definition television, but we expect to do that before the camera is returned. This display method promises to be spectacular, giving a whole new life to the family slide night. The Sony goes to the top of the list of recommendable compacts.”

Rating: Not Rated

DigitalCameraReview reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 and they write -
“In spite of all of the features it packs in, the Cyber-shot W150 surprised me in how cohesively it comes together. Performance qualms are all but nonexistent in this case, and red channel issues aside, you have to get down to the downright nitpicky to find much that will give casual shooters pause in the image quality department either.

The bigger question with the W150 is whether you can tolerate its gimmickry, which is admittedly a little forced at times and a little intrusive. Learn how to use the tools and some of them, at least, will serve you well. If you’re a more conventional shooter, though, it’s more likely that they’ll just be irritating menu clutter and a drag on responsiveness when using the interface.”

Rating: Not Rated

GoodGearGuide has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 and they write -
“Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-W150 is a fairly decent compact cameras with a few niggling issues. Aside from some purple fringing it captures good shots. The interface and shot taking can be extremely slow at times, which is frustrating.”

Rating:

StevesDigicams has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 and they write -
“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 is a well rounded ultra-compact digicam. With loads of useful exposure modes and in-camera editing options, the W150 can be used and enjoyed by everyone, whether at home or the office. This model has the ability to capture very nice images with little fuss, and it can take them quickly too, with above average shooting performance. That said, I feel the DSC-W150 is an appealing model for 2008, and with four colors choices (Red, Gold, Black, Silver) and a street price of $249 or less, I have no problem giving it a high recommendation for anyone who is in search of a camera in this category.”

Rating:

DCResource has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 and they write -
“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 is a competent little camera that offers a pleasing combination of zoom power, image stabilization, performance, and point-and-shoot features. Being that it’s completely devoid of manual controls, it’s not a great choice for those who take long exposures, or shoot under unusual lighting conditions. For everyone else, though, the Cyber-shot DSC-W150 is worth checking out.”

Rating:

Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at PhotographyReview]
[Sample Test Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Test Photos at DCResource]

Specifications

[Official Sony Specifications]

Press Release

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony is introducing a line of colorful W-series Cyber-shot® digital cameras with new imaging technologies for easier photo capture.

The 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models feature Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lenses with wide angles of view, 28 mm – 140 mm and 30 mm – 150 mm, respectively, and 2.7-inch LCD screens along with eye-level viewfinders. Rounding out the series are the 8.1-megapixel DSC-W130 models and 7.2-megapixel DSC-W120 units with 4x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screens.

The lineup features a wider range of color choices than previous models – from playful pink and blue to sophisticated champagne gold and red.

Newly-available on the W-series cameras is Sony’s “smile shutter” mode, which automatically captures an image when your subject smiles – without having to press the shutter. This function even lets you prioritize adult or child faces to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.

Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos

Each of the new W series models includes Sony’s improved face detection technology, which, like the smile shutter technology, can now distinguish between the faces of children and adults. You can select “child priority” or “adult priority” and the camera will detect up to eight faces in the camera frame and optimize focus, exposure, white balance, and flash control.

The W170 and W150 cameras feature new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) technology, which allows the camera to automatically select the optimal scene mode for a variety shooting situations. In advanced iSCN mode, the camera will take a photo based on the user’s settings. If the camera determines that another setting would yield better exposure, it will automatically take a second photo with that setting. The user ultimately has two images to choose from.

Powerful Features for Outstanding Images

The series features a number of powerful features, including: Sony’s D-Range Optimizer to retrieve picture detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; semi-manual focus that allows you to select the focusing distance based on your subject’s location; an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges; Super SteadyShot image stabilization; high sensitivity settings up to ISO 3200; and in-camera editing functions such as “unsharp mask” to sharpen images.

Enhanced Playback Options

The W170 and W150 units are equipped with advanced image management functionality. Filtering options allow you to search for photos by date and smile. Images can be viewed by date or in a helpful calendar view, and organized in the cameras’ “favorites” folder for quick retrieval of beloved images.

The slideshow function of W170 and W150 has also been upgraded. Photos can be selected using the same advanced filtering options available in playback mode and transitions have been improved through the application of face detection technology. Now your subjects can take center stage as the slideshow moves through sophisticated pans, fades and wipes. Improvements to the background music function include a choice of more tracks, longer tracks, and multiple tracks for longer slideshows.

To view your images in 1080 high-definition resolution, you can connect each of the cameras to a compatible HDTV sets via HD component cable or Sony’s HD Cyber-shot Station® cradle (both sold separately).

Price and Availability

In pink, blue, black and silver, the DSC-W120 camera will be available for about $200 in March. The DSC-W130 model will be offered in pink, black and silver for about $230 that same month. The DSC-W150 model will hit retail in sophisticated champagne, red, black and silver for about $250 in April. The DSC-W170 model will also be available then in those same colors for about $300.